Franklin, MI Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer

Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer for Franklin, Michigan

In Franklin, all misdemeanor shoplifting or retail fraud cases are adjudicated at the 46th District Court, while felony cases are elevated to the 6th Circuit Court. In Michigan, shoplifting is legally termed as retail fraud. Confronting charges of retail fraud can have detrimental effects on both your personal and professional reputation. Fortunately, our attorney at The Law Office of Julian J. Poota brings 18 years of experience in handling these cases and stands ready to assist you. As a fully licensed Michigan law firm, the Law Office of Julian J. Poota, PLLC, is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of clients throughout Franklin who are confronting allegations of retail fraud.

Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Cases in Franklin

Shoplifting and retail fraud charges stem from theft, which may involve tactics such as swapping price tags to pay less for an item. These cases carry significant consequences, underscoring the importance of retaining the expertise of a knowledgeable attorney. Shoplifting charges can have lasting effects on future job prospects and financial opportunities, potentially leading to imprisonment or financial penalties. The Law Office of Julian J. Poota is committed to steadfastly advocating for your shoplifting case to achieve the most favorable outcome possible.

Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Degrees and Penalties in Franklin

A first degree shoplifting charge occurs when a person does any of the following:

• While the store is open to the public, alters, transfers, removes and replaces, conceals, or in any other way misrepresents the price of an item with the intent to not pay for the item or to pay less than the actual price, when the resulting difference is over $1,000.
• While the store is open to the public, steals an item from the store priced at $1,000 or more.
• With intent to defraud, obtains or attempts to obtain money or store property as a refund or exchange for property that was not paid for and belongs to that store, if the amount of money or price of property to be obtained is $1,000 or more.

First Degree Retail Fraud (felony): Jail time of up to 5 years and a potential fine of either $10,000 or three times the value of the stolen property, whichever is greater.

A second degree Michigan shoplifting charge occurs when the accused has done any of the following:

• While the store is open to the public, alters, transfers, removes and replaces, conceals, or in any other way misrepresents the price of an item with the intent to not pay for the item or to pay less than the actual price, when the resulting difference is between $200 and $1,000
• While the store is open to the public, steals an item from the store priced between $200 and $1,000.
• With intent to defraud, obtains or attempts to obtain money or store property as a refund or exchange for property that was not paid for and belongs to that store, if the amount of money or price of property to be obtained is between $200 and $1,000.

Second Degree Retail Fraud (misdemeanor): Jail time of up to 1 year and a potential fine of either $2,000 or three times the value of the stolen property, whichever is greater.

Retail fraud in the third degree occurs when a person does any of the following:

• While the store is open to the public, alters, transfers, removes and replaces, conceals, or in any other way misrepresents the price of an item with the intent to not pay for the item or to pay less than the actual price, when the resulting difference is less than $200.
• While the store is open to the public, steals an item from the store priced at under $200.
• With intent to defraud, obtains or attempts to obtain money or store property as a refund or exchange for property that was not paid for and belongs to that store, if the amount of money or price of property to be obtained is under $200.

Third Degree Retail Fraud (misdemeanor): Jail time of up to 93 days and a potential fine of either $500 or three times the value of the stolen property, whichever is greater.

Contact us for Franklin Shoplifting and Retail Fraud Charges

If you or someone you know needs a shoplifting or retail fraud lawyer in Franklin, Michigan, our experienced attorney at The Law Office of Julian J. Poota, PLLC can help you. We offer clients a free initial consultation. To discuss your current legal situation, call us at (888) 399-7979 or contact us online.

Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Attorney for the 46th District Court

The 46th District Court is located at 26000 Evergreen Rd, Southfield, MI 48076

The 46th District Court judges are:

 Honorable Shelia R. Johnson

Honorable Debra Nance

Honorable Cynthia M. Arvant

Shoplifting/Retail Fraud Lawyer for the 6^th Circuit Court

The 6^th Circuit Court is located at 1200 N. Telegraph, Pontiac, MI 48341

The 6^th Circuit Court judges are:

Honorable Martha D. Anderson

Honorable Mary Ellen Brennan

Honorable David M. Cohen

Honorable Jacob James Cunningham

Honorable Nanci J. Grant

Honorable Jeffery S. Matis

Honorable Cheryl A. Matthews

Honorable Phyllis McMillen

Honorable Daniel Patrick O’Brien

Honorable Yasmine I. Poles

Honorable Kwame L. Rowe

Honorable Victoria A. Valentine

Honorable Michael Warren

We can be reached 24/7 at 888-399-7979 for a free consultation regarding your Franklin shoplifting or retail fraud case.